Commercial Director

Location
Riyadh, All SA Regions, Saudi Arabia

Capabilities
Construction

Office Setup
Office/Onsite

Job ID
#41960
Market
Transportation

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Commercial Director to oversee the commercial, contractual, financial, procurement, risk, and claims management activities for construction supervision and consultancy services associated with major infrastructure projects. The role ensures the effective administration of consultancy agreements, construction contracts, variations, claims, and commercial compliance while safeguarding the interests of the client and ensuring projects are delivered within approved budgets and contractual frameworks. The Commercial Director provides strategic commercial leadership to the supervision team, supports decision-making on contractual matters, and oversees commercial governance throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership & Strategy

Develop and implement commercial management strategies that support the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure programs, ensuring alignment with client objectives and contractual requirements. Provide strategic commercial advice to project leadership regarding project performance, commercial risks, contract obligations, and financial impacts while establishing robust commercial controls, reporting systems, and governance frameworks to support effective decision-making and project success.

Contract Administration & Management

Lead the administration and management of construction contracts, consultancy agreements, and service contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual provisions and project requirements. Interpret contract conditions, provide contractual guidance to project teams, manage correspondence related to commercial matters, review contractual notices, and oversee the implementation of contract administration procedures in accordance with FIDIC and other applicable contract forms.

Cost Management & Financial Control

Oversee project cost monitoring, valuation of works, budget tracking, financial reporting, forecasting, and change management processes to ensure projects remain within approved budgets. Review contractors’ payment applications, evaluate financial implications of contract modifications, verify cost assessments prepared by the supervision team, and provide accurate commercial reports to clients and senior stakeholders.

Variations, Claims & Dispute Resolution

Manage the assessment, evaluation, negotiation, and resolution of contractor claims, variations, extension of time requests, and contractual disputes. Ensure all submissions are reviewed in accordance with contractual provisions, maintain detailed records supporting entitlement assessments, provide recommendations to the Engineer and Client, and support dispute avoidance and resolution initiatives to mitigate project impacts.

Procurement & Tender Support

Provide commercial support during procurement and tendering activities by contributing to tender preparation, bid evaluations, commercial assessments, contract negotiations, and award recommendations. Ensure procurement activities comply with client policies and project requirements while supporting the development of fair and commercially balanced contract arrangements.

Risk Management

Identify, evaluate, and manage commercial and contractual risks associated with large infrastructure projects. Maintain risk registers, assess the potential impact of emerging issues, develop mitigation strategies, and provide regular commercial risk reports to project leadership and clients to support proactive project management and informed decision-making.

Stakeholder & Client Management

Act as the primary commercial advisor to the client, project management team, contractors, and key stakeholders on all commercial and contractual matters. Build strong relationships with clients, government authorities, consultants, contractors, and project partners while leading negotiations, resolving commercial issues, and ensuring transparency and collaboration throughout project delivery.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead and mentor commercial managers, quantity surveyors, contract administrators, cost engineers, and commercial specialists within the construction supervision team. Establish performance objectives, provide professional development opportunities, encourage knowledge sharing, and foster a high-performance culture focused on excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Governance & Compliance

Ensure all commercial activities are conducted in accordance with contractual obligations, client requirements, company policies, industry standards, and applicable regulations. Establish strong commercial governance processes, support project audits, maintain comprehensive commercial records, and ensure adherence to ethical and professional standards in all commercial dealings.

Here's what you'll need

Bachelor's degree in quantity surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Law, Finance, or related discipline.

Professional certifications such as MRICS, MCIOB or equivalent.

Minimum 20 years of commercial, contracts, or quantity surveying experience within infrastructure and construction projects.

Strong experience with FIDIC or similar forms of contract, including claims, variations, and dispute resolution.

Proven track record in cost management, contract administration, and commercial leadership on large-scale, multi‑package projects.

Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to develop and defend well-reasoned commercial positions.

Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience managing multi‑cultural commercial/QS teams.

#LI-RB1

From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions – we’re committed to driving a culture of caring where you can be you. Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally - and together, our diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds power our collective strength. We collaborate and share! By supporting one another, we all succeed.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .